News
Falconets Hold China to Goalless Draw, Keep U-20 World Cup Hopes Alive
Nigeria’s Falconets fought out a goalless draw with China PR in their second Group F match at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland on Thursday, keeping their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.
The encounter at Arena Sosnowiec saw both teams create opportunities, but neither side could find the breakthrough as the Falconets secured their first point of the tournament following their opening-day defeat to Spain. Nigeria had lost 2–0 to the former champions in their first match.
Coach Moses Aduku’s side started brightly, with Janet Akekoromowei producing Nigeria’s first clear opportunity in the 17th minute.
The Falconets gradually grew into the contest, with Kafayat Mafisere winning a corner in the 33rd minute before Akekoromowei went close again in the 38th minute and during first-half stoppage time.
China also threatened before the interval, with Huang Jiaxin, Zhou Xinyi and Song Lijuan testing the Nigerian defence, while Xue Sifan delivered dangerous set pieces.
Goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma stood firm whenever called upon, helping the Falconets maintain a clean sheet as both teams went into the break level.
China made an attacking change at the start of the second half, introducing Chen Ruilin for Xiao Yafei, and the substitution gave the Asian side additional impetus.
Chen, Xue and Huang all attempted to break the deadlock, but Nigeria continued to create opportunities of their own.
Precious Oscar, Mafisere and Queen Joseph all went close as the Falconets responded with greater urgency, but the finishing touch remained elusive.
Nigeria thought they had been handed a major opportunity to take the lead in the 74th minute after being awarded a penalty. However, the decision was overturned following a VAR review, leaving the game scoreless.
Both sides continued to push for a winner in the closing stages, but neither could find the decisive goal.
The draw leaves Nigeria with one point from two matches in Group F, while China remain in contention at the top end of the group after their opening 5–0 victory over New Caledonia.
The Falconets will now face New Caledonia on Sunday, September 13, in their final group fixture. The match is scheduled for Łódź, with Nigeria needing a positive result to strengthen their chances of advancing to the knockout rounds.
The result represents an improvement from the opening defeat to Spain, but Aduku and his players know they must finish the group stage strongly.
After being held by China, the Falconets now have their fate partly in their own hands as they prepare for their decisive final group match.
One point gained, one game left — the Falconets must now finish the job against New Caledonia.
News
“I Cannot Give Up” — Flamingos Star Umejiaku Reveals Mother’s Struggles Behind Her Golden Ball Triumph
For Oluebube Umejiaku, winning the Golden Ball at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup was more than a personal sporting achievement. The Flamingos forward says her determination to succeed in football is driven by a desire to give her mother a better life after years of hardship.
Speaking to BBC News Pidgin, the Nigerian teenager opened up about growing up in a family with limited financial resources and the challenges that have shaped her ambition.
“It’s not easy coming out from a family that has nothing. It was a very big challenge for me to make it in life. No matter how, in this football career, I won’t give up. I cannot give up,” she said.
Umejiaku explained that her mother’s experiences remain her strongest motivation, particularly the way people have treated her.
“I can’t give up because of my mother; she has suffered a lot. I need to take her out of where she is. People insult her, talk to her anyhow. Even when I’m there, they talk to her anyhow,” she added.
The forward said she regularly prays for recognition and success, hoping that her achievements will change how people perceive and treat her mother.
Her determination has already produced a remarkable breakthrough. Umejiaku played a decisive role in Nigeria’s historic campaign in Morocco, where the Flamingos became the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Although she did not start Nigeria’s opening 2-1 defeat to Poland, she came off the bench to score the team’s first goal of the tournament. She went on to contribute goals or assists in every match she featured in.
She scored against North Korea and Mexico, won the late penalty that secured Nigeria’s quarter-final victory over Venezuela, assisted a goal against Brazil in the semi-final and scored in the 2-1 final victory over Japan.
Her performances earned her the tournament’s Golden Ball, recognising her as the competition’s outstanding player.
Reflecting on the achievement, Umejiaku revealed that she never imagined receiving such recognition when she began playing football at the age of seven. She also credited her mother’s constant encouragement during the tournament for helping her maintain belief in herself.
For the young forward, the Golden Ball is an important milestone, but her ambition stretches beyond individual awards. She wants to build a successful football career that will transform her family’s circumstances and give her mother the comfort she believes she deserves.
-
News3 days agoTroops Arrest Suspected Gunrunner, Neutralise Two Terrorists in Plateau
-
News3 days ago
APM holds Presidential Campaign in Plateau, Pledges Security and Economic Reset
-
News4 days ago
'How many times will you approve Ibom Deep Seaport' – NDC blasts Tinubu over 'endless lies'
-
News3 days ago
APC Legacy Assembly Expresses Confidence in Tinubu Ahead of 2027 Election
